Advantages & Disadvantages Essays: Planning (IELTS Academic: Writing): Study Material

Planning advantages & disadvantages essays

• This essay type is similar to a discussion essay

•  You must consider two sides of an issue then give your own opinion

•  In this type of essay, you discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a certain topic (e.g. working from home)

•  Sometimes you may have to discuss whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of a certain view

•  Typical questions of this type look like this:

  • In many countries, it is common for people to change their jobs frequently throughout their career. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of changing jobs often.

  • In several major cities, the cost of housing has risen so much that many people have to live in very small apartments. Do the benefits of living in a city outweigh the disadvantage of limited living space?

Identifying key words in the question & instructions

•  Read the instructions carefully to find out which type of advantages and disadvantages essay you need to write

• There are two types:

  • The first type asks you to discuss the benefits and drawbacks only

  • The second type asks you to give your opinion on whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks and explain why you hold this view

• It is important to keep the number of advantages and disadvantages balanced

• Present your own view on the topic in your conclusion

• Take a few minutes to note down your main points and supporting ideas before you start writing

• This will help keep your essay coherent and not go off topic

• Keeping to the topic is really important to get high marks

Example question

• Many companies are now allowing their employees to work from home. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?

  • The question is the first type

  • You need to think of an equal number of advantages and disadvantages

  • Give your own opinion in the conclusion 

Ordering ideas

• Spend 3–5 minutes planning. Brainstorm 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages, then pick the strongest one of each to develop in depth

• Two well-developed points score higher than four shallow ones — Band 7 asks for ideas that are "extended and supported," not just listed

• Use a clear four-paragraph structure

  • Introduction: paraphrase the question and state your position (or signal that you'll weigh both sides)

  • Body paragraph 1: the main advantage, fully developed with a reason and an example

  • Body paragraph 2: the main disadvantage, fully developed with a reason and an example

  • Conclusion: restate your position and briefly summarise why

• If the question asks whether advantages outweigh disadvantages, make your stance clear in the introduction and hold it consistently throughout